According to a doctor, the passengers aboard the Titan submarine, which is currently lost, may have a few more hours to survive despite the onboard oxygen tank running low. Dr. Richard Moon, a professor of anesthesiology at Duke University, estimates that the five individuals in the submersible could last for 10 to 20 hours by conserving the remaining air circulation in the experimental capsule and remaining calm.
Dr. Moon, who is the director of the Duke Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Environmental Physiology, explained that the exact time frame is uncertain but likely less than 24 hours once the oxygen in the tank is exhausted. The submersible, named Titan, initially had 96 hours of oxygen when it embarked on its journey to explore the wreckage of the Titanic. However, contact was lost with the surface ship, and the submersible’s pilot, Stockton Rush, around one hour and 45 minutes into the trip.
Coast Guard officials anticipate that the submersible’s air tank will be depleted on Thursday morning. Dr. Moon elaborated on the situation, stating that in an enclosed vessel like the Titan submarine, everyone on board consumes oxygen and produces carbon dioxide, which is then removed from the environment using carbon dioxide-absorbent materials. The air is circulated by an electric fan, which passes it through the carbon dioxide absorber. The lifespan of the absorber is dependent on the oxygen supply and the absence of mechanical malfunctions.
Under normal circumstances, an average male uses approximately one-third of a liter of oxygen per minute, while an average female uses about a fifth to a quarter of a liter. After the oxygen tank is empty, the passengers will rely on the oxygen present in the environment. Dr. Moon estimated that approximately one-fifth of the sub’s internal volume, which is around 37,000 to 40,000 liters, contains oxygen. By multiplying the daily oxygen requirement by five, one can calculate how long it will take until the oxygen level decreases to a point where consciousness is lost or death occurs.
Dr. Moon explained that once the available oxygen level falls to between 6% and 10%, the conditions inside the submersible will become extremely uncomfortable. While life can be sustained at 10% oxygen, individuals would experience breathlessness and discomfort. The estimated time between 10 and 20 hours represents the duration until the oxygen supply is depleted, assuming the levels drop below 6%.
To extend the available oxygen, Dr. Moon suggested that the passengers remain calm and avoid any unnecessary movement. In some cases, sedative drugs like Valium could slightly reduce the oxygen requirement, but their presence on the submersible was doubtful. Staying still and minimizing muscular activity would be beneficial.
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However, Dr. Moon warned that as the oxygen level drops to 10%, individuals would experience shortness of breath, headaches, and possibly vomiting. The discomfort would resemble the sensation of being at high altitudes. Eventually, consciousness would be lost, varying from person to person between 6% and 10%. Any oxygen level lower than that might be incompatible with life.
OceanGate, the company operating the submersible, emphasized the importance of remaining calm and following emergency procedures during such situations. Their sub-pilots receive thorough training to handle emergencies and ensure the safety of everyone on board. Despite the current predicament, commercial subs have maintained a strong safety record over the past 35 years, offering reassurance that the situation, although frightening, is generally secure.
Update:
Rear Adm John Mauger, Commander of the First Coast Guard District, announced a significant finding by Horizon Arctic’s remotely operated vehicle. The tail cone of the Titanic submarine was discovered approximately 1,600 feet away from the bow on the seafloor.
Mauger stated that the recovered debris strongly suggests a catastrophic failure of the pressure chamber. He expressed, “As soon as this determination was made, we promptly informed the families on behalf of the United States Coast Guard and the entire unified command. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the families during this difficult time.”
